Hey guys–because I’m one of those silly modelers who admits that he doesn’t know the BEST way to do zimmerit, and therefore am always open to trying new things, ([swg]) I was at A.C. Moore’s hobby chain store today, and saw this in the paint and stencils aisle–a "Plaid/Stencil Decor Stencil Cutter–and I thought “Hmmm…? Looks like a perfect pyrogravure to me!” [:P]
For those of you who don’t know, a pyrogravure is basically a heat tool, used to groove or indent wood or plastic. For years they’ve been exceptionally difficult to find, the only option really being to order one from overseas (if you could find one) or make one with a jigged-up soldering iron.
But not now!! Here’s the nice, fine tips you get…
…and here’s not even five minutes work, totally un-practiced by me, on a spare DML hull (the Tiger VK4501P command tank)–just “let’e see what this thing can do”…BRAAAP! [:D]…It’s AMAZINGLY easy! Mind you–this wasn’t even “trying”! Just pure improvisation! Imagine this with a bit of planning, care, and cleaning up?! [:O][:P]
Purdy cool, huh?
For those of you with an open mind and a spirit of adventure, there’s finally an easy product to get for this methid! I’m gonna try it out on possibly the next build! (After the beater Nomad I’m working on right now) Cheers! [:D]
That looks good. Are you “pressing” the tip or making a groove by scratching in in? I got a tip from an old wood burning kit…Do you think this would do the trick?? I’ve been scared to try it. Just wanted to get your opinion…It’s about 1 centimeter.
Wow, looks like a corker Doog. I think the key to a good pyro is to have a short distance from the handle to the tip to give good control. Im going to have to go to my LHS to see if i can find one for that sort of cash. Thx for posting Bud.
BB, I just sorta dragged the tip across–definitely NOT “pressing” it in. It works reallly quickly! Just like drawing lines with a pencil! [:D]
I’m sure that tip you have would work, but the key seems to be the lenght of the tool, as hell as the heat level–this tool doesn’t seem to go quite as hot as a standard soldering iron…
Hey doog, nice one! That iron looks very similar to a woodburning one I bought last year. Mine doesn’t have that nice thin tip like yours, it closer to the one that’s in bostonbruins34’s photo. What’s the wattage on yours…I think the one I have is 17w.
BTW, I think Crockett, our resident hot knife zim expert, would approve!!
Hmmm, not sure the wattage on this Bufflehead–I had it plugged in for a good half hour though, and it just didn’t seem like it was up to soldering temp…I may be wrong though.
In any case, it doesn’t melt the plastic as fast as the soldering iron tip–a lot of guys have to put a rheostat on soldering irons to make them work, but this one is just about perfect “melt speed”!
WOW!! 9 watts is pretty low! The Radio Shack soldering iron Crockett recommended was 15W! My 17w can still melt pretty quick if not handled correctly. You scored doog!!! I gotta get me one of those!!
I picked one up today at Jo-Ann Fabrics where they are stocked in the craft area. It costs a bit more than where you got yours ($14.99), but it seems well worth the expense.
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thanks for the heads up!